Power of Plants Contest

Download Official Rules.

How can you participate?

The Missouri Botanical Garden would like students to learn more about plants! Some plants are just AMAZING—they grow in special ways, can survive in harsh climates or provide humans with things that we use everyday. So, here’s the challenge:

Pick a plant and tell its story!

Create something to tell the world about your plant and send it to the Missouri Botanical Garden. You must include factual information about your plant’s super powers. Winners will be displayed at the Garden and on our website. (Read more about other prizes.)

Who can participate?

Students in elementary, middle or high school can participate in this contest as individuals or groups. Only students that live in Missouri or Illinois can participate in the Power of Plants Contest.

What can you create?

Entries can include, but are not limited to: cartoons, comic strips, news articles, models, action figures, sculptures, posters, stories, pamphlets, and flyers.

Two-dimensional entries must be able to hang on a wall and can be no larger than 18 by 24 inches. Three-dimensional entries must be no larger than 12 inches wide by 24 inches tall by 12 inches deep.

Are there any plants not eligible for the contest?

Rosy periwinkle and vanilla are not eligible plants for the 2009–2010 Power of Plants Contest.

Some plants are powerful in a harmful way. You may choose a plant with characteristics that harm the environment or people, but make sure to explain those characteristics on your entry.

How does the contest work?

Participants can enter as an individual and/or part of a group. Entries will be divided into elementary, middle and high school age groups. There will be, a 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place winner, as well as Honorable Mentions for each of the three age groups in the individual and group categories. All participants must complete the Entry Form.

When does the contest begin?

The contest officially begins August 1, 2009.

When does the contest end?

The contest will end January 31, 2010. All entries must be received by 4:00pm on Sunday, January 31, 2010. All participants will be honored and winners will be announced at a reception in May. (Reception details will be sent to participants.) Entries will then be on display at the Missouri Botanical Garden through June 2010.

How do I submit my entry?

After August 1, 2009, you can mail your entry to the Garden.

Mail to:
Missouri Botanical Garden
Power of Plants Contest
PO Box 299
St. Louis, MO 63166-0299

You can drop off your entry at the address below between Saturday, January 23 and Sunday, January 31, 2010.

Deliver in person to*:
Missouri Botanical Garden
Commerce Bank Center for Science Education
4651 Shaw Blvd.
St. Louis, MO 63110

* Between January 23–31, 2010 deliveries will only be accepted between 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. No exceptions, please.

Do you have a question

Please send questions to powerofplants@mobot.org. Answers to questions of general interest will be posted on the list of Frequently Asked Questions. Please allow 5 business days for the MBG staff to reply.